The members of the Marist Family in the Philippines celebrated the feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary. The feast day was a beautiful expression of how joyful and grateful Marists are in the privilege of bearing and caring the name of Mary.
The Marist Fathers’ community in Digos City who administered the Matti District Catholic Center celebrated their 4th feast of thanksgiving in the honor of the Most Holy Name of Mary on September 12. The Marist Fathers have introduced this feast day to the local parishioners in the hope that they would develop not just a devotion to Mary but to remind them of Mary’s invitation to follow her ways in following her Son. This year, members of the twenty-four Basic Ecclesial Communities have untiringly supported the different activities like putting up different booths where they could sell their products, novena mass and procession of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In Davao City, a home for many members of the Marist Family; Marist Fathers, Marist Brothers, Marist Sisters and Marist Laity gathered to celebrate the feast day on September 15 which also had become a mini-reunion for those Marists working outside the city. Fr. Denis Revi, SM was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist and Fr. Lauro Arcede, SM gave the homily who challenged every Marist to go back to his or her identity as graciously chosen to bear Mary’s name. Identity directs Marists to respond to the needs of the world and challenges their outlook.
Both festive celebrations in Digos and Davao are concrete manifestations of how members of the Marist Family have continuously shared their gifts to the church and to the world.
Society of Mary 